UPSC Prelims 2005 Q66: Current Affairs – International Organisations & Groupings
Which one of the following is not an ASEAN member?
- (a) Cambodia
- (b) China
- (c) Laos
- (d) Philippines
Answer: (b) China
Explanation
ASEAN membership
| Country | ASEAN member (2005)? |
|---|---|
| Cambodia | Yes (1999) |
| Laos | Yes (1997) |
| Philippines | Yes (founding member, 1967) |
| China | No — a dialogue partner |
China is not an ASEAN member; it is a dialogue partner of the group, as are India, Japan and South Korea, which makes it a frequent trap in questions on regional groupings.
Answer: (b) China.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. Cambodia joined ASEAN in 1999.
- (b) CORRECT. China is not an ASEAN member.
- (c) Incorrect. Laos joined in 1997.
- (d) Incorrect. The Philippines is a founding member.
Key point
ASEAN: Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand (1967), plus Brunei, Vietnam, Laos, Myanmar, Cambodia.
Remember
China is not an ASEAN member.
Common mistakes
- Assuming China is a member as the regional giant.
- Forgetting Laos and Cambodia are members.
- Confusing ASEAN with the wider APEC or SAARC groupings.
Exam tip
ASEAN has ten members; China, India, Japan are dialogue partners.
Sources
- ASEAN Secretariat — member States
- Association of Southeast Asian Nations — The ASEAN Declaration (Bangkok Declaration), 8 August 1967
- Encyclopaedia Britannica — Association of Southeast Asian Nations